Players from the Salmon Arm Tennis Club backhanded their way through different tournaments despite facing a variety of challenges. 

In November, West Martin-Patterson attended an International Tennis Federation (ITF) sanctioned Masters Tournament in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic held at the Vilas Tennis Academy. There he had to battle not only his opponent, but also the natural environment. 

"The tournament was played on clay courts in 35 degree weather with 100 per cent humidity," club director Carol Ross said in a media release. "An added challenge on the courts were the tarantula spiders as big as your fist!"

Despite those added factors, Martin-Patterson won the final match in the 45s category 7-6, 6-4 against "a tough Spanish player" in a three hour match in the heat of the day. 

In February, players stayed closer to home as Winston Pain and Rich Potter competed in the Yonex Calgary ITF Masters Championship. In the Men's 60-70 Doubles, the pair beat the first seeds from Calgary and Regina 3-6, 6-4 and 10-7 (10 point tiebreaker). They then played a pair from Calgary and Vancouver to win the finals 6-4, 6-3, despite Potter having a suffered an abdominal injury earlier.

The two also played individually in the 60-70 Singles where Pottter lost in the semi-finals, while Pain won his first match 6-1, 6-1, but then lost to the second seed 6-3, 7-5.

"Lots of fun, competition and camaraderie amongst the competitors from B.C., Alberta, Quebec and Ontario," Potter said of the tourney. 

Mary Manley, who has provided coaching and clinics to local players, also competed in Calgary and won both the singles and doubles in the Women's 60-70 events.

More information about the tennis club can be found at , or by attending the Annual General Meeting on Sunday, April 13.